Retsch AS 400 control User manual

© Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany | 12.02.2020 Version 0001
Manual
Horizontal Sieve Shaker AS 400 control
Translation

2
Copyright
© Copyright by
Retsch GmbH
Retsch-Allee 1-5
42781 Haan
Germany

3
Table of Contents
1Notes on the manual............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Explanation of signs and symbols ..................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Disclaimer.......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Copyright............................................................................................................................................ 6
2Safety...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Explanations of the Safety Instructions ............................................................................................. 8
2.2 General Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Repairs............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator................................................................................ 11
3Technical Data..................................................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Degree of Protection........................................................................................................................ 12
3.2 Emissions......................................................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).............................................................................................. 12
3.4 Rated Power.................................................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Dimensions and Weight................................................................................................................... 13
3.6 Required Floor Space...................................................................................................................... 13
3.7 Receptacle Volume.......................................................................................................................... 13
3.8 Feed Grain Size............................................................................................................................... 14
3.9 Payload............................................................................................................................................ 14
3.10 Suitable Sieve Diameters ................................................................................................................ 15
4Packaging, Transport and Installation .............................................................................................. 16
4.1 Packaging........................................................................................................................................ 16
4.2 Transport.......................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Temperature Fluctuations and Condensation ................................................................................. 16
4.4 Conditions for the Installation Site................................................................................................... 17
4.5 Electrical Connection....................................................................................................................... 18
4.6 Type Plate Description..................................................................................................................... 18
4.7 Removing the Transportation Lock.................................................................................................. 19
5First Commissioning........................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Sieve Clamping Unit "standard"....................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Sieve Clamping Unit "comfort"......................................................................................................... 23
6Operating the Device .......................................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Use of the Device for the Intended Purpose.................................................................................... 25
6.2 Principle of Operation ...................................................................................................................... 26
6.3 Views of the device.......................................................................................................................... 27
6.3.1 Front............................................................................................................................................. 27
6.3.2 Back............................................................................................................................................. 28
6.4 Switching On / Off............................................................................................................................ 29
6.5 Selection of the Test Sieves............................................................................................................ 29
6.6 Performing a Sieving ....................................................................................................................... 29
7Controlling the Device ........................................................................................................................ 30
7.1 Operating Controls, Displays and Functions................................................................................... 30
7.1.1 Start Process ............................................................................................................................... 30
7.1.2 Stop Process................................................................................................................................ 30
7.2 Pause Process................................................................................................................................. 31
7.3 Speed............................................................................................................................................... 31
7.3.1 Automatic Unbalance Detection .................................................................................................. 31
7.4 Time................................................................................................................................................. 32
7.5 Interval............................................................................................................................................. 32
7.5.1 Interval Time................................................................................................................................ 33
7.6 Programme Mode............................................................................................................................ 33

4
7.6.1 Select a Program......................................................................................................................... 33
7.6.2 Edit a Program............................................................................................................................. 33
7.6.3 Save a Programme...................................................................................................................... 34
7.7 Signal Tone...................................................................................................................................... 34
7.7.1 Operating Hours........................................................................................................................... 34
7.7.2 Software Version ......................................................................................................................... 34
7.8 Date ................................................................................................................................................. 34
8EasySieve®........................................................................................................................................... 36
9Error Messages and Information Notes............................................................................................ 37
9.1 Error Messages ............................................................................................................................... 37
9.2 Information Notes ............................................................................................................................ 37
10 Return for Service and Maintenance................................................................................................. 39
11 Cleaning, Wear and Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 40
11.1 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 40
11.1.1 Cleaning of Test Sieves........................................................................................................... 40
11.1.1.1 Cleaning of Test Sieves with Mesh Sizes > 500 µm ....................................................... 40
11.1.1.2 Cleaning of Test Sieves with Mesh Sizes < 500 µm ....................................................... 40
11.1.1.3 Drying of Test Sieves....................................................................................................... 41
11.2 Wear ................................................................................................................................................ 41
11.3 Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 41
11.3.1 Replacing the Fuses................................................................................................................ 42
12 Accessories ......................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1 Test Sieves...................................................................................................................................... 43
12.1.1 Certificate................................................................................................................................. 43
12.1.2 Calibration Service................................................................................................................... 44
12.2 Sieving Aids..................................................................................................................................... 44
13 Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 45
14 Index ..................................................................................................................................................... 46

Notes on the manual
5

Notes on the manual
6
1 Notes on the manual
This manual provides technical guidelines for the safe operation of the device. Read this
manual through carefully before installing, putting into service and operating the device.
Reading and understanding this manual is essential for handling the device safely and as
intended.
This manual does not contain any repair instructions. Please contact your supplier or contact
Retsch GmbH directly if anything is unclear or you have questions about these guidelines or the
device, or in the case of any faults or necessary repairs.
You can find further information about your device at http://www.retsch.com on the pages for
the specific device concerned.
Amendment status:
The document amendment 0001 of the "Horizontal Sieve Shaker AS 400 control" manual has
been prepared in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
1.1 Explanation of signs and symbols
In this document the following signs and symbols are being used:

Reference to a recommendation and/or an important information
→
Reference to a chapter, table or figure

Action instruction
│Name│
Software menu function
[Name]
Software button
⟨Name⟩
Software checkbox
1.2 Disclaimer
This manual has been prepared with great care. We reserve the right to make technical
changes. We assume no liability for personal injuries resulting from the failure to follow the
safety information and warnings in this manual. No liability will be assumed for damage to
property resulting from the failure to follow the information in this manual.
1.3 Copyright
This document or parts of it or its content may not be reproduced, distributed, edited or copied
in any form without prior written permission of Retsch GmbH. Damage claims shall be asserted
in the case of infringements.

Safety
7
2 Safety
Safety Officer
The operating company itself must ensure the following with respect to persons authorised to
work on the device:
−that they have read and understood all regulations contained in the chapter on safety;
−that they are aware before they start work of all instructions and regulations for the target
group related to the work;
−that they have easy access to the manual for this device at all times;
−that they have been familiarised with the safe and correct handling of the device before
starting work on it, by means of a verbal introduction by a competent person and/or using
this manual.
Improper operation can lead to personal injuries. The operating company itself is
responsible for its safety and that of its staff. The operating company itself must ensure that no
unauthorised persons have access to the device.
Target group
All those operating, cleaning or working with or on the device.
This device is a modern, powerful product from Retsch GmbH and has been developed in line
with the state-of-the art. The device is safe to use when operated correctly and when following
the instructions in this manual.
People under the influence of intoxicating substances (medications, drugs, alcohol) or who
are overtired may not operate the device or work on the device.

Safety
8
2.1 Explanations of the Safety Instructions
The following warnings in this manual warn of possible risks and damage:
DANGER
D1.0000
Risk of fatal injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Fatal or serious injuries may result if the “Danger” sign is disregarded. There is a very high
risk of a life-threatening accident or lasting personal injury. The signal word DANGER is
additionally used in the running text or in instructions.
WARNING
W1.0000
Risk of life-threatening or serious injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Life-threatening or serious injuries may result if the “Warning” sign is disregarded. There is
an increased risk of a serious accident or of a possibly fatal personal injury. The signal word
WARNING is additionally used in the running text or in instructions.
CAUTION
C1.0000
Risk of injuries
Source of danger
−Possible consequences if the danger is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the risk.
Average to slight injuries may result if the “Caution” sign is disregarded. There is an average
or slight risk of an accident or personal injury. The signal word CAUTION is additionally
used in the running text or in instructions.

Safety
9
NOTICE
N1.0000
Type of damage to property
Source of the damage to property
−Possible consequences if the information is ignored.
•Instructions and information on how to avoid the damage to
property.
Damage to property may result if the information is disregarded. The signal word NOTICE is
additionally used in the running text or in instructions.
2.2 General Safety Instructions
CAUTION
C2.0002
Risk of injury
Lack of knowledge of the manual
−The manual contains all safety-related information. Disregarding the
manual can therefore lead to injuries.
•Read the manual carefully before operating the device.
CAUTION
C3.0015
Risk of injury
Improper modifications to the device
−Improper modifications to the device can result in injuries.
•Do not make any unauthorised changes to the device.
•Only use the spare parts and accessories approved by Retsch
GmbH!
NOTICE
N2.0012
Changes to the device
Improper modifications
−The conformity declared by Retsch GmbH with the European Directives
will lose its validity.
−Any warranty claims will be terminated.
•Do not make any modification to the device.
•Use spare parts and accessories that have been approved by Retsch
GmbH exclusively.

Safety
10
2.3 Repairs
This manual does not contain any repair instructions. For safety reasons, repairs may only be
carried out by Retsch GmbH or an authorised representative or by qualified service technicians.
In case of repair, please inform…
…the Retsch GmbH representative in your country,
…your supplier, or
…Retsch GmbH directly.
Service address:

Safety
11
2.4 Confirmation Form for the Managing Operator
This manual contains essential instructions for operating and maintaining the device which must
be strictly observed. It is essential that they be read by the user and by the qualified staff
responsible for the device before the device is commissioned. This manual must be available
and accessible at the place of use at all times.
The user of the device herewith confirms to the managing operator (owner) that he has received
sufficient instructions about the operation and maintenance of the system. The user has
received the manual, has read and taken note of its contents and consequently has all the
information required for safe operation and is sufficiently familiar with the device.
The managing operator should for legal protection have the user confirm the instruction about
the operation of the device.
I have read and taken note of the contents of all chapters in this manual as well as all
safety instructions and warnings.
User
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature
Managing operator or service technician
Surname, first name (block letters)
Position in the company
Place, date and signature

Technical Data
12
3 Technical Data
3.1 Degree of Protection
−IP54 (IP20 in the area of the sieve carrier passage)
3.2 Emissions
CAUTION
C4.0011
Possibility of acoustic signals not being heard
Loud sieving noises
−Possible acoustic alarms and voice communication might not be heard.
•Consider the volume of the sieving noise in relation to other acoustic
signals in the work environment. Additional visual signals may be
used.
CAUTION
C5.0017
Hearing damage
A high sound level may be generated depending on the type of material, the
number of sieves, the sieving aid used, the amplitude set and the duration of the
sieving
−Excessive noise in terms of level and duration can cause impairments or
permanent damage to hearing.
•Ensure suitable noise protection measures are taken or wear ear
protection.
Sound parameters:
The sound parameters are also influenced by the set speed, the number of test sieves and the
properties of the sample material.
Example:
Number of test sieves:
5
Speed:
150 rpm
Feed material:
Quartz sand (< 1 mm)
At these operating conditions, the workplace related equivalent continuous sound level
Leq = 58.4 dB(A).
3.3 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
−EMC class according to DIN EN 55011: A
Strong electromagnetic interference fields, such as high-power radio transmitters, can have an
adverse influence on the amplitude control of the AS 400 control. Once the source of the
interference is eliminated, the AS 400 control will return to normal operation by itself.
3.4 Rated Power
~ 140 W (VA)

Technical Data
13
3.5 Dimensions and Weight
−Height without sieve clamping unit: 268 mm
−Height with sieve clamping unit: 892 mm
−Width: 540 mm
−Width with "comfort" clamping unit: 665 mm
−Depth: 507 mm
−Weight without sieve stack, without clamping unit: ~ 70 kg
3.6 Required Floor Space
CAUTION
C6.0047
Risk of injury caused by the device falling down
Incorrect installation of the device
−Due to its weight, the device can cause injuries if it falls down.
•Only operate the device on a sufficiently large, strong and stable
workstation.
•Ensure that all of the device feet are securely supported.
−Width of the base: 570 mm
−Depth of the base: 570 mm
−No safety clearances required
Location requirements:
The device must be placed on a vibration-free, plane, stable and free surface to avoid
transmission of vibrations. A level base ensures the uniform distribution of the sample over the
sieve mesh fabric, as well as the stability of the device.
NOTICE
N3.0024
Location requirements
The movement of the sample material causes severe unbalance during
operation
−Due to the movement of the sample material, the AS 400 control causes
very strong unbalance during operation.
•The installation must be carried out on a stable, anti-slip, vibration-
free base, which is suitable for both, the weight of the device and the
resulting unbalance during operation.
•At speeds > 200 U/min, when using test sieves with a diameter of
400 mm and/or with high sieve stacks, the device must be firmly
bolted to the base by means of the transport plates!
•In order to always ensure safe operation, it is recommended to firmly
screw the AS 400 control to the base regardless of the speed, the
test sieves used and the payload.
3.7 Receptacle Volume
The maximum receptacle volume (the maximum feed quantity) depends on various factors such
as number and aperture size of the test sieves, maximum grain size and width of distribution of
the sample material.

Technical Data
14
Examples for the maximum feed quantity according to DIN 66165 for test sieves of 400 mm in
diameter are listed in the following table:
Mesh size
Max. feed quantity
Max. permitted oversize material
according to DIN 66165
25 µm
50 cm3
25 cm3
45 µm
75 cm3
38 cm3
63 µm
101 cm3
50 cm3
125 µm
151 cm3
75 cm3
250 µm
226 cm3
113 cm3
500 µm
352 cm3
176 cm3
1 mm
503 cm3
251 cm3
2 mm
880 cm3
440 cm3
4 mm
1 382 cm3
691 cm3
8 mm
2 262 cm3
1 131 cm3
3.8 Feed Grain Size
Traditional dry sieving is performed in the particle size range of 40 µm to 125 mm. By means of
sieving aids or with wet sieving the measurement range can be extended to 20 µm. The
maximum feed grain size depends on the sample material, the number and aperture size of the
test sieves and the type of the sieving machine.
Examples for the maximum feed grain size according to DIN 66165 are listed in the following
table:
Mesh size
Max. feed grain size
according to DIN 66165
Mesh size
Max. feed grain size
according to DIN 66165
22 µm
710 µm
4 mm
25 mm
45 µm
1 mm
8 mm
45 mm
63 µm
1.4 mm
16 mm
71 mm
125 µm
2.5 mm
22.4 mm
90 mm
250 µm
4 mm
45 mm
150 mm
500 µm
6 mm
63 mm
180 mm
1 mm
10 mm
90 mm
230 mm
2 mm
16 mm
125 mm
300 mm
The Horizontal Sieve Shaker AS 400 control is designed for the measurement range of 45 µm
to 63 mm.
3.9 Payload
−Maximum sample quantity: 5 kg
−Maximum sieve stack weight: 15 kg
−Maximum payload: 20 kg (sample material plus test sieves)
−Maximum sieve stack height: 510 mm
−Maximum number of fractions: 7 (height of test sieves and collecting pan: 65 mm) /
9 (height of test sieves and collecting pan: 50 mm (2")) /
17 (height of test sieves and collecting pan: 25 mm (1"))
NOTICE Please note that despite the built-in counterweight, the device cannot be operated
without restrictions at the full speed of 300 rpm. When using more than 5 test sieves with a
diameter of 400 mm and/or a sieve stack mass > 10 kg, a maximum speed of 200 rpm should

Technical Data
15
not be exceeded. The resulting, very strong unbalance can otherwise lead to unwanted
movements of the device.
3.10 Suitable Sieve Diameters
−Suitable sieve diameters: 100 mm / 150 mm / 200 mm / 203 mm (8") / 305 mm (12") /
315 mm / 400 mm

Packaging, Transport and Installation
16
4 Packaging, Transport and Installation
4.1 Packaging
The packaging has been adapted to the mode of transport. It complies with the generally
applicable packaging guidelines.
NOTICE
N4.0001
Complaint or return
Keeping the packaging
−Inadequate packaging and insufficient securing of the device can
jeopardise the warranty claim in the event of a complaint or return.
•Keep the packaging for the duration of the warranty period.
4.2 Transport
NOTICE
N5.0017
Damage to components
Transport
−Mechanical or electronic components may be damaged during transport.
•The device must not be knocked, shaken or thrown during transport.
NOTICE
N6.0014
Complaints
Incomplete delivery or transport damage
−The forwarding agent and Retsch GmbH must be notified immediately in
the event of transport damage. It is otherwise possible that subsequent
complaints will not be recognised.
•Please check the delivery on receipt of the device for its
completeness and intactness.
•Notify your forwarding agent and Retsch GmbH within 24 hours.
4.3 Temperature Fluctuations and Condensation
NOTICE
N7.0016
Damaged components due to condensation
Temperature fluctuations
−The device may be exposed to substantial fluctuations in temperature
during transport. The ensuing condensation can damage electronic
components.
•Wait until the device has acclimatised before putting it into service.
Temporary storage:
Also in case of an interim storage the device must be stored dry and within the specified
ambient temperature range.

Packaging, Transport and Installation
17
4.4 Conditions for the Installation Site
NOTICE
N8.0021
Ambient temperature
Temperatures outside the permitted range
−Electronic and mechanical components may be damaged.
−The performance data alter to an unknown extent.
•Do not exceed or fall below the permitted temperature range (5 °C to
40 °C ambient temperature) of the device.
−Installation height: max. 2 000 m above sea level
−Ambient temperature: 5 °C –40 °C
−Maximum relative humidity < 80 % (at ambient temperatures ≤31 °C)
For ambient temperatures UTbetween 31 °C and 40 °C, the maximum relative humidity value LF
linearly decreases according to LF= –(UT–55) / 0.3:
Ambient temperature
Max. rel. humidity
≤31 °C
80 %
33 °C
73.3 %
35 °C
66.7 %
37 °C
60 %
39 °C
53.3 %
40 °C
50 %
NOTICE
N9.0015
Humidity
High relative humidity
−Electronic and mechanical components may be damaged.
−The performance data alter to an unknown extent.
•The relative humidity in the vicinity of the device should be kept as
low as possible.

Packaging, Transport and Installation
18
4.5 Electrical Connection
WARNING
W2.0015
Risk to life caused by an electric shock
Connection to socket without a protective earth conductor
−Connecting the device to sockets without a protective earth conductor can
lead to life-threatening injuries caused by an electric shock.
•Always operate the device using sockets with a protective earth
conductor (PE).
NOTICE
N10.0022
Electrical connection
Failure to observe the values on the type plate
−Electronic and mechanical components may be damaged.
•Connect the device only to a mains supply matching the values on
the type plate.
WARNING When connecting the power cable to the mains supply, use an external fuse that
complies with the regulations applicable to the place of installation.
−Check the type plate for details on the necessary voltage,frequency, and maximum
external current source fuse for the device.
−The listed values must agree with the existing mains supply.
−Only use the supplied power cable to connect the device to the mains supply.
4.6 Type Plate Description
Fig. 1: Type plate
1 Device designation
2 Year of production
3 Part number
4 Serial number
5 Manufacturer’s address
6 CE marking
7 Disposal label
8 Bar code
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
13

Packaging, Transport and Installation
19
9 Power version
10 Mains frequency
11 Capacity
12 Amperage
13 Number of fuses
14 Fuse type and fuse strength
In the case of queries please provide the device designation (1) or part number (3), as well
as the serial number (4) of the device.
4.7 Removing the Transportation Lock
WARNING
W3.0005
Risk of injury due to the device falling down
Lifting the device above head height
−The device can fall causing serious injuries when lifted above head
height.
•Never lift the device above head height!
Fig. 2: Unscrewing the transportation lock
Unscrew the screws on either side of the device (TS).
Grasp the device by the lower lateral housing and lift the AS 400 control to its intended
location. Be careful not to lift the device by the plastic front panel as it is not designed for the
weight.
CAUTION The weight without sieve stack and sieve clamping unit amounts approx. 70 kg.
The device may only be lifted by three people.
The two transportation plates (TP) do not necessarily have to be removed. They can be used
to individually mount the AS 400 control, i.e. to firmly screw the device to the laboratory
bench, if necessary.
TS
TP

First Commissioning
20
5 First Commissioning
WARNING
W4.0002
Danger to life through electric shock
Damaged power cable
−Operating the device with a damaged power cable or plug can lead to life-
threatening injuries caused by an electric shock.
•Before operating the device, check the power cable and plug for
damage.
•Never operate the device with damaged power cable or plug!
NOTICE
N11.0002
Setting up the device
Disconnecting the device from the mains
−A separation of the device from the mains must be possible at any time.
•Set up the device in such a way, that the connection for the power
cable is always easily accessible.
NOTICE
N12.0024
Location requirements
The movement of the sample material causes severe unbalance during
operation
−Due to the movement of the sample material, the AS 400 control causes
very strong unbalance during operation.
•The installation must be carried out on a stable, anti-slip, vibration-
free base, which is suitable for both, the weight of the device and the
resulting unbalance during operation.
•At speeds > 200 U/min, when using test sieves with a diameter of
400 mm and/or with high sieve stacks, the device must be firmly
bolted to the base by means of the transport plates!
•In order to always ensure safe operation, it is recommended to firmly
screw the AS 400 control to the base regardless of the speed, the
test sieves used and the payload.
Before first commissioning the device must be aligned and the sieve clamping unit must be
installed.
Alignment of the device: